Behind The Candelabra: My Life with Liberace was an expose written by Liberace's former boyfriend, Scott Thorson. The book inspired the film, starring Micheal Douglas as Liberace, Matt Damon as Scott Thorson, Debbie Reynolds as Liberace's mother, Rob Lowe, Paul Riser, Dan Akroyd, and Scott Bakula. The film is the story of how Scott met Liberace in 1977, and how the showman became fond of him in return. They began a mostly physical relationship that later turned into a marriage-like arrangement in the 80's. There is no doubt these two loved each other, regardless of lifestyle, drugs, fame and fortune. Since marriage wasn't an option, due to the risk surrounding Liberace's career and reputation, Liberace wanted to adopt Scott. He even had his plastic surgeon redesign Scott's face to have a similar liking to that of Liberace. In this way, they would become "family."
Personally, this film was extremely difficult to watch. I did not know Liberace well, nor knew much about his life and career. The film exposes many personal details within their relationship, Scott's drug addiction, and Liberace's obsession with himself. We also learn about Liberace's hair piece, plastic surgery to look younger, and how candid he was with his live-in boyfriend around the staff in his home. Michael Douglas and Matt Damon make for a convincing couple. The perfect portrayal of imperfect men.
Steven Soderbergh was the perfect director for a film like this. However, it felt that he wanted us to feel close to the characters. At moments too close during love making scenes, or tender moments lying in bed talking. Some moments for me were too invasive. I don't necessarily want the voyeuristic perspective into the personal details of their affair. Some scenes I also felt the cinematography was out of sync with the rest of the film. It created an inconsistent perspective during stressful events.
Michael Douglas didn't change anything about himself for the role. Many scenes with him shirtless, or even near naked, and he let it all hang out. The obvious older physique next to Matt Damon's youthful muscles. Rob Lowe playing the surgeon, was almost unrecognizable with his very stretched face. The makeup for him, and technique to maintain the same expression throughout the film were amazing! Dan Akroyd made an impression as well, with a great set of glasses and a fluffy hair piece, acting as Seymour, Liberace's manager. Debbie Reynolds was graceful and memorable. Paul Reiser played Scott Thorson's attorney during the couples "separation."
The makeup team had their work cut out for them. After the surgery on Scott's face to make him look like Liberace, Matt Damon had to wear latex pieces for his nose to be longer with a tip, a cleft chin, and higher cheekbones. Michael Douglas had a realistic bald cap for Liberace's hair loss under the wig. Debbie Reynolds looked great in her prosthetic pieces, but her eyes gave her away. I don't know what they did to Rob Lowe, but it looked amazing!
The actors were perfect in their performance, going all in. Matt Damon really surprised me. I've never seen him play a character filled with so much aggression and rage. When Scott was tested to his limits, he made sure to let Liberace know how he felt. I suppose when you are playing passionate characters, you can't hold back any emotion. You just go for it!
Liberace made many promises to Scott, and almost always broke them. Before he died, he made Scott promise to keep a few secrets as well. I guess we could assume Scott gave his promises as much validity as Liberace did.
Behind the Candelabra is worth watching at least once. You'll witness the masters portraying the most raw and honest material we've seen in years.
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